Special Purpose visa
Granted automatically to people with a prescribed status, such as foreign armed forces members and airline crew. You do not apply.
In force
Who it is for
People with a 'prescribed status', including members of certain foreign armed forces, people on board a foreign armed forces ship, airline crew and positioning crew, and some accompanying partners or dependants.
Main requirements
- Hold a prescribed status. The visa is granted by law; there is no application.
- The visa ceases if the prescribed status ends.
Where you apply from
No application.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- Check your status
Confirm you hold a prescribed status.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent usually not needed. - Stay longer
If you want to stay after your status ends, apply for a different visa before it ends.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent advises on the right visa.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | Nil |
Home Affairs does not publish a separate charge for every applicant type on this visa; check the Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. A guide only, not a promise.
| Processing time | Not published. Home Affairs processing times |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Not applicable; the visa ceases when the prescribed status ends.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- General
Recent and upcoming changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.